Former All Blacks captain Jerry Collins has ended his career in New Zealand.

The 27-year-old Wellington Hurricanes loose forward said he would take an indefinite break from the game before considering his future.

"It's something I've thought about for a while. I've played 10 years for one province and it's hard to leave but it's probably the right time," he said.

Collins, who will play for the Barbarians against England on Sunday, may consider an overseas contract.

But he added: "I'm not in any rush to get out the country."

Out of respect to New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes, he hasn't been involved in any contractual discussions as yet.

"You can't negotiate while you're still contracted so at the moment the cupboard is pretty bare but I'm sure there's someone out there who will give me a job for a couple of weeks."

Collins is the 11th player to quit the All Blacks following last year's failed World Cup campaign in France.

Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Byron Kelleher, Aaron Mauger, Luke McAlister and Doug Howlett are all now plying their trade in Europe. Nick Evans and Reuben Thorne have signed contracts to play overseas while Keith Robinson retired through injury.

what a shame for the nzru to loose such a gifted playertalking about carter ,he should be going to toulon after the november tests as Boudjellal(toulon president) said and because toulon are now sure to play in the french top14

what a shame for the nzru to loose such a gifted playertalking about carter ,he should be going to toulon after the november tests as Boudjellal(toulon president) said and because toulon are now sure to play in the french top14

Big loss for Nz but he's only 27 so who knows ... he could always come back.As for Boudjellal, the guy talks a lot as he announced Umaga before the guy even signed anything... So we'll see what's up with Carter as one thing is already for sure : Toulon is back in the TOP 14.

what's the deal when these guys "retire" from NZ rugby, but go play overseas? they can't play for or be selcted by the all blacks anymore? can they play for the country they're now playing in? is it a contractual thing? kelleher, howlett, mcalister, these guys can't be all blacks anymore?

anonymous, so what in the world is NZ planning on doing? i know they have a seemingly endless talent pool, but they gotta be able to keep some of their own players at home. money's a big issue, of course, and some of the teams in NZ are financially strapped, but NZ rugby better figure out what they're doing. perhaps they're a little spoiled when guys like mcalister and mauger leave and they can simply plug in the next generation of tuitavake and brett in their place.

Wait ... it used to be a rule but simply cause there wasn't that many southern atmosphere players going to Europe before (Percy was somewhat considered weird as he was still young back in the days) but now that we're going through a globalisation in rugby, don't you think that those rules WILL have to change ?I presently have in mind Smit from SA who is gonna be playing with his team and coming back for Montferrand for the semi I believe... doesn't that show a change ?

jay, if the rule did change, if it said that players playing overseas were still eligible to be selected for international matches, the world cup, etc, that would be great for the "minnows" - fiji comes to mind. send your guys overseas, get some top level European, NZ or AUS experience, then bring that back to your country. if not, would these guys ever play for their country again, simply because they played overseas because somebody offered them a job?

That's exactly why I think those coming years are going to be interesting. Carter coming to Europe ?Could NZ play w/out such a gifted player ?In other words, the global market might influence heavily some of those rules

jay, it's gonna have to change or everybody's gonna be playing in europe. it was one thing for spencer to go to europe before this mass exodus, but for carter to leave, as well? not to play for the all blacks again? what's next, mccaw's gonna leave? muliaina? rokocoko to fiji (one can dream)? these guys are in top shape, in their prime.

the super 14 has unbelievable talent, but i'm not sure if it's refined or experienced enough to completely dominate the way the all blacks have. tuitavakae and brett have just been named at midfield to go along with rokocoko, muliaina and sivivatu so it's still a formidable backline. not sure about the forwards. if nothing else, this exodus, which incidentally came after a disappointing world cup, may provide opponents with the mental edge they need to beat the AB's.

While I'm certainly going to miss the Destroyer, if he wants to take a break then let him. Jerry's a young fella and will certainly be back. I'm sure he took losing the World Cup hard and just wants some time off. One of the fiercest competitors on the field and a gentleman off, I can't wait for the next chapter in his story. Hopefully he'll go and terrorize the North for a bit before coming home and getting another Black jersey

I'll shed a tear for you jerry! Great player...at one time, "the most feared rugby player on the planet" - knocking people unconcious with legal hits! I'm sure jerry just needs a few months holidays! and will be back to his best next year! playing probably for Toulon! with his mate Tana as the coach...not an outside chance... As for players! I agree, I'm from NZ and we are losing a lot of talent! and Mr Henry's 'rotation' policy has robbed the black jersey of mana, (pride) and combinations! you need the same guys playing every week, its a team game! and having the same blokes is really important! I think the All Blacks are going to be vulnerable to defeats this year, with so much talent overseas! And i disagree with one rule for dan carter, (he can come back into the all blacks!) and another rule for everyone else, its a disgrace, it sends a message that 1 man is better than the team... All Blacks need to bring the team culture back... current coach sucks! I wish we'd gone with Robbie Deans! Watch Aussie beat us now, with the S14 most successful coach EVER! Have a great time Jerry! Wellington Loves Ya!

Collins and munster are only rumours at the moment like he said he cannot negotiate while contracted, to be honest saw it coming their was articles recently saying that he wanted to leave after his contract expieres..as for carter not sure yet, the idea was to let carter head to france for a year and come home to build towards the next world cup, the original idea was that evans would be given a full season for the all blacks considering that when carter went off against france that there was no-one used to filling the all blacks 10 due to carters dominace basically they didnt have another option since evans had played mostly at full back but now evans is off to england, interesting to see what happens.Carter is linked to Saracens, Toulouse or more then likely Toulon on the condition that they are promoted which seems a safe bet.South Africa removed over-seas ban for Montgomery and Smith and one or two others, Im not 100% sure but the mentality of the NZ players leaving you be a motive to lift their over-seas ban...just a guess!?